Healthy living has been at the core of 4-H and remains a foundation of our pledge. Although 4-H believes that healthy living habits of young people begin in the context of their families and communities, we strive to equip youth with healthy living knowledge and skills that will prepare them physically, emotionally and socially to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

To meet the needs of today’s youth, 4-H Healthy Living programs seek to address national issues including nutrition and physical fitness, substance abuse, safety, and social and emotional wellness.

Framework and Evaluation

The 4-H Healthy Living mission engages youth and families through access and opportunities to achieve optimal physical, social, emotional well-being.
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Health, Nutrition and Fitness

4-H Health, Nutrition and Fitness gives youth the tools needed to stay in shape, prepare healthy food and practice good personal hygiene. Curricula provide the basis for many local and state activities to provide hands-on learning opportunities. Through innovative programming designed to help youth achieve physical fitness, nutrition and safety in their communities, the Youth Voice: Youth Choice grants allow 4-H'ers to take action.

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Preventative Health and Safety

The Health Rocks!© Curricula is aimed at those aged 8-to-14 and gives them tools to make healthy lifestyle choices. Other programs, such as ATV Safety, help youth and adults practice safe habits when operating off-road vehicles.

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Healthy Living Resource Guide and Toolkit

Created as an online guide for state and local professional staff and volunteers in the development of 4-H Healthy Living programming, this Resource Guide includes philosophical background and research for 4-H Healthy Living programming as well as links for evaluation and research, professional development opportunities and resources for fundraising. The resource guide also includes educational tools highlighting each area of 4-H Healthy Living.

Revolution of Healthy Living

4-H’ers are making an impact on the wellness of their communities by identifying opportunities to help their neighbors lead healthier lives.  From providing health and wellness education, fundraising for critical resources, to leveraging community partners to create lasting community solutions, 4-H'ers are initiating a Revolution of Responsibility and leading a healthy living example for their community. 
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